ADAM KISPERT | ALBUM REVIEWS: 2010's Best — What a Concept

The year’s best albums were meant to be listened to as wholes, not bits and pieces.

The “concept” album ruled in 2010.

Maybe it was some artists’ way of combating the digital age, where the impulse is to download individual songs rather than buying whole albums. Whether that’s true or not, many of the year’s best albums were based if not on full-blown concepts, then at least general ideas.

From Arcade Fire’s memoirs from “The Suburbs,” to Janelle Monae’s futuristic tale “The ArchAndroid,” to Titus Andronicus’s Civil War themed “The Monitor,” to Kanye West’s “Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” these are all albums that are meant to be heard whole, not parted out like old broken-down junkers. Whether this is the beginning of a trend remains to be seen; but whatever might come, 2010 got the new decade started on a good note.

1. Arcade Fire “The Suburbs”

Arcade Fire use the broad, and potentially mundane, subject matter to tap into a common experience. In doing so they dig below the surface and create something that is poignant, timely and timeless. It’s a compelling examination, and not always the most joyful, but in this post-recession malaise, it feels like the soundtrack to our lives.

2. Vampire Weekend “Contra”

Vampire Weekend mature on their second album (it happens to us all), experiment a little, diversify their stylistic portfolio and deliver another winner. What hasn’t changed is their incredible knack for writing sweet hooks and melodies.

3. Janelle Monae “The ArchAndroid”

Some acts dabble in different styles to diversify their sound. Monae possesses them all, showing off a surprising command of everything from classical to soul to glam rock. To top it off, the album’s about robots — or something like that.

4. Big Boi “Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty”

OutKast may never get back together. But if Big Boi continues to make albums this good, you might not care. Big Boi creates a kaleidoscopic sonic blast of entertainment with his expert production, and the lyrics keep pace from beginning to end. Andre who?

5. Kanye West “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”

As usual West has a lot to say, and never shies away from saying it. Ever since his debut, “The College Dropout,” he’s been the most open, honest and introspective hip-hop artist out there. His latest is an appropriately-titled tour de force.

6. Yeasayer “Odd Blood”

On their sophomore album, this experimental folk-rock outfit strikes gold by successfully balancing their stranger tendencies with a more conventional approach. The result is a slightly skewed set of delightfully catchy songs.

7. Joanna Newsom “Have One on Me”

This two-hour opus is smartly broken up into three discs for easier digestion. It’s reminiscent of the best female singer-songwriters of the ‘70s, but with an updated sound and Newsom’s own unique musical character.

8. The Black Keys “Brothers”

Finally attaining the commercial success they deserve, the Black Keys managed to do it while staying true to their blues core. This is a rough-and-tumble set of songs that come loaded with ample hooks, which is how they got over. Their best since “Rubber Factory.”

9. Titus Andronicus “The Monitor”

It’s a punk album; one that uses Civil War themes analogously and has half its songs clocking in at over seven minutes. Just because it’s a punk album doesn’t mean it can’t be ambitious.

10. M.I.A. “MAYA”

M.I.A. continues to evolve while retaining a distinctive sound. From her debut, the opening manifesto of “Arular,” to the brilliant globetrotting beats of “Kala,” to this; a more personal look at a girl just trying to make it in a digital world today, the thing that remains the same is her talent.

11. The Roots “How I Got Over”

Tricky once released an album called “Pre-Millennium Tension.” This one could easily be called “Post-Millennium Tension.” Black Thought’s rhymes delve into the concerns of the day, and the band, led by drummer ?uestlove, provides a tight setting for the anxiety.

12. LCD Soundsystem “This Is Happening”

James Murphy doesn’t stray far from the sonic palette he created on “Sound of Silver.” But since “This Is Happening” is another set of hypnotizing electronic pop and rock, he can easily be forgiven.

13. Broken Bells “Broken Bells”

Danger Mouse and James Mercer’s collaboration is a showcase of meticulously textured sounds, well-crafted pop songwriting and poetic wordplay. In other words, it’s good.

14. Sleigh Bells “Treats”

“Treats” is an appropriate title for this debut album. With Derek Miller’s catchy electro-rock tunes and Alexis Krauss’ sweet-as-honey vocals, each song is like ear candy. “Rill Rill” is especially delicious.

15. Cee Lo Green “The Lady Killer”

Green’s soulful voice is so good, listening to him sing the classified ads would be a treat. Fortunately, he’s brought some killer tracks to go with the voice, including the irresistible “F**k You.”

16. The National “High Violet”

At one point Matt Berninger sings, “Sorrow found me when I was young.” If that’s the case, he’s found a way to make beautiful music out of it.

17. Drive-By Truckers “The Big To-Do”

More tales from the South set to a reliably good batch of Southern rock. These guys (and girl) never disappoint.

18. Los Campesinos “Romance Is Boring”

They don’t really think so, or they wouldn’t keep trying. This rambunctious, witty set of songs is proof of that.

19. Jamey Johnson - “The Guitar Song”:

Two discs, the first touching on darker themes, the second giving us a redemptive ending. Put together, they’re a very good country album.

20. The Corin Tucker Band - “1,000 Years”

Former Sleater-Kinney member goes her own way and proves that a third of that band is still better than a whole of most other bands.